Millennials, born between the 1980s and early 2000s, are now entering adulthood in a world that has always been connected.
We live much of our lives online, casually sharing small details like a picture of our morning coffee or seeing people taking multiple selfies to find the one they feel is good enough to post.
But when did the number of likes, retweets, and comments become so significant? When did these numbers start to define our value or determine how good our day was? When did we feel the pressure to conform to society’s standards and lose the freedom to be ourselves without labels?
I’m not against the global connections the internet offers, but reports show that many young people feel more isolated in their social interactions. Yes, we talk to people through texts or social media messages, but this shouldn’t replace face-to-face connections and having fun in person.
Earlier this year, the Office for National Statistics revealed that people aged 16-24 and 25-34 experience more loneliness than other age groups. This also correlates with a rise in mental health issues, though I’m glad to see more support available for those who struggle with problems that aren’t always visible.
Adding to this is the constant comparison we make to the “perfect” lives we see online, especially on Instagram. Many of us feel dissatisfied when our own lives don’t seem to measure up to those of social media influencers and celebrities.
This is especially true when it comes to beauty, as we constantly see an idealized version of physical appearance. Naomi Wolf’s book *The Beauty Myth* dives deep into this, and while I don’t agree with all of her points, it’s an interesting and thought-provoking read. The key takeaway is that beauty goes beyond just what we see in a mirror or on social media.
Paul Angone sums up the need to stop comparing ourselves to others perfectly: “We need to celebrate the ship we’re sailing on, instead of drowning as we try to swim toward someone else’s.”
Millennials face other significant challenges too. While some older generations might think these issues are exaggerated, many of us feel lost or frustrated as we deal with multiple struggles.
A more educated generation now faces unemployment, as there are fewer job openings than there are qualified candidates. In Paul Angone’s book *All Groan Up: Searching for Self, Faith, and a Freaking Job!*, he describes the job hunt for millennials as being like *The Hunger Games*. It’s no surprise that we feel overwhelmed when getting a first job can require going through six or more stages in the hiring process.
Many university graduates are burdened with thousands of pounds of student debt before they even begin their careers. This creates challenges when it comes to buying a home and having disposable income beyond living just to work. More and more people are choosing to work for passion instead of just a paycheck.
Some call this the “Quarter Life Crisis,” where traditional adult milestones, like buying a house or starting a family, are delayed as we take more time to focus on personal growth. This has led to a growing interest in advice on well-being and spirituality, as people try to cope with the struggles of millennial life.
Breaking out of this millennial mindset isn’t easy, but taking a few moments each day to reflect on what you’ve achieved, what made you happy, and what you can improve on can be more rewarding than worrying about how your social media posts are received.
Take a walk outside and enjoy nature. Pay attention to the changing seasons and what it really means to be alive. Resist the urge to grab your phone and post a picture of the fall leaves; instead, listen to them rustling, smell the fresh air, and feel the breeze on your skin. These are the senses that a photo can’t capture.
Taking care of yourself is crucial for your mind, body, and spirit. Dedicating a little time each day to self-care can make a big difference in managing the pressures of the millennial mindset.
Remember, what we see online doesn’t mean others are living perfect lives. Their amazing Instagram pictures or “Look what I did today” posts only show a curated version of reality. Don’t use these snapshots as a yardstick for your own life.
It’s fine to use them for inspiration and set goals, but also remember that no one’s life is perfect. It’s okay if things don’t go as planned. It’s okay to feel uncertain. The key is to learn from these moments and grow. Even roses need rain to bloom.
At the end of the day, it’s important to stay true to who you are, what makes you happy, and what you want to achieve. Celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures. We only have one life, so live it in a way that feels right to you, rather than by society’s expectations, and make it the best it can be.